ASLI INSIGHTS: Asia Unpacked | 28 March 2026
A big week across Asia and beyond. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Meta ordered to pay $375M in a landmark child exploitation case
A New Mexico jury has ordered Meta to pay $375m in civil penalties after finding the firm liable for misleading consumers and enabling child exploitation. This landmark verdict follows allegations that Meta prioritised profits over safety, ignoring internal warnings regarding predators. Whilst the state’s Attorney General hailed the "historic" win for child protection, Meta intends to appeal, maintaining that it works rigorously to secure its platforms and accusing the state of "cherrypicking" evidence. Further proceedings in May will address additional penalties and mandatory design changes to enhance user safety.
Read more:
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/mar/24/meta-new-mexico-jury
https://www.dw.com/en/meta-hit-with-375-million-fine-in-child-exploitation-case/a-76515470
2. Malaysia adjusts its BUDI95 fuel quota amid regional price hikes
Malaysia has temporarily adjusted its BUDI95 monthly fuel quota to 200 litres starting April 2026, while maintaining the retail price at RM1.99. This move addresses the rising subsidy bill caused by the Strait of Hormuz blockade, which disrupted 90% of Asia’s oil supply. On the other hand, the Philippines and Thailand hiked oil prices as a countermeasure, with Manila’s diesel costs nearly doubling to 100 pesos. These varied regional responses highlight the urgent struggle to balance fiscal sustainability with energy security during the 2026 crisis.
Read more:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1450zj6n48o
3. Philippines and France ink a military pact as South China Sea tensions rise
The Philippines and France have signed a visiting forces agreement to conduct joint military training in each other's territories, aiming to bolster defence ties amid rising tensions in the South China Sea. Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro and French Minister Catherine Vautrin emphasised a commitment to a rules-based international order and peaceful dispute resolution. This agreement adds France to a list of countries with similar pacts with Manila, including the US, Australia, Japan, and New Zealand. The signing occurred shortly after a reported unsafe encounter between a Chinese missile frigate and a Philippine Navy vessel near Thitu Island.
Read more:
4. Trump set to visit Beijing in May for a high-stakes reset with Xi
US President Donald Trump will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing this May, his first visit in eight years. The summit aims to stabilise relations between the world’s largest economies amidst trade tensions and the Iran war. While potential agreements on agriculture may occur, friction persists regarding American arms sales to Taiwan and China's reluctance to assist with Iranian oil issues. Washington views the talks as a "monumental" reset, whereas Beijing remains cautious, urging the US to handle sensitive territorial matters with extreme care.
Read more:
https://www.reuters.com/world/china/trump-visit-china-may-14-15-white-house-says-2026-03-25/
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c05dpr1m71go
5. Anthropic wins a court injunction against the Pentagon
A US federal judge has halted the Trump administration’s designation of AI firm Anthropic as a supply-chain risk. Judge Rita F. Lin ruled the move was "illegal retaliation" against the company’s free speech following disputes over military AI usage. Anthropic had sought assurances against its models being used for autonomous weaponry, whilst the Pentagon argued such restrictions were unnecessary. The court found the government’s actions punitive rather than security-driven. Consequently, the administration must now desist from its directive, with a compliance report due by 6 April.
Read more:
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/03/26/anthropic-pentagon-dod-claude-court-ruling.html
